The object of this invention is to provide a suitable device for attaching a needle to a test tube, for collecting blood for serologic tests.

A further object is to provide, in this combination of needle, needle-holder and test tube, a more convenient and adaptable method of holding the needle, and introducing it into the vein, so that the blood may be collected with the least danger of contamination.

A still further object is to provide a device of this kind which can be sterilized and maintained in a sterile condition until used.

WVith the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel construction and arrangement of elements described, illustrated, and claimed, it being understood that modifications may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawing, Figure 1 shows a test tube in vertical section, and a needle mounted in the needle holder and positioned within the tube; Figure 2 is chiefly in vertical section, the needle being in elevation and in position for use; Figure 3 is a detail view of a hook employed for manipulating the holder; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the holder, detached.

The device will be made in different sizes to accommodate various standard needles and test tubes. The holder, or clip, is resilient, being formed of a metallic strip 10 having a portion 11 bent at right angles with the body of the strip, and apertured as shown at 12. A portion 13 extends upwardly and outwardly from member 11, providing suflicient space to receive the element 14 of the needle, and portion 13 comes into frictional engagement with the inner wall of tube 15, with which the holder is intended to cooperate when the device is adjusted for use.

Element 10 is deflected at 16 and is provided with an aperture 17 receiving the needle when the latter is placed in the position shown. The needle is thus held firmly, the annular portion 14 of element 14 being in frictional engagement with the adjacent portions of the clip. The needle retaining device constitutes a combined holder and clip.

A wire hook 20 includes a ring member 21, and is intended for use in placing the holder and needle in position in the tube, and withdrawing these elements.

Before sterilizing the needle, the latter is placed in the position shown, in the holder, and the holder and needle are inserted together into the test tube, with the point of the needle extending outwardly. The wire hook is then employed for pushing the holder into the tube, the hook being left in position.

The sterilizing operation is performed in the usual manner, and if the needle is not used at once, the tube should be plugged with sterilized cotton. At the proper time, the holder and needle are carefully drawn out by the use of the wire hook, until the finger rest 23 springs over the end of the tube, when it is easily forced down into place on the tube, thereby clamping the holder and needle in the tube. The tube may be agaiin plugged with sterilized cotton, if des1re Among the advantages of the device are the following:

It is adapted for use in connection with any of the standard needles and test tubes in use in laboratories and hospitals. The combination needle, needle holder, and test tube may be conveniently sterilized and maintained in a sterile condition until needed. The needle is firmly and securely held, when mounted, and the construction is simple, durable, and inexpensive.

What I claim is:

1. A device of the class described, for cooperation with a test tube, and proportioned to contact simultaneously with opposite portions of the inner wall of the tube and with the end thereof, said device comprising a resilient strip provided with apertures and including deflected portions, and a needle passing through the apertures and engaged by one of the deflected portions, the other of said deflected portions constituting a finger member.

2. A device of the class described, for cooperation with a test tube, and roportioned to contact simultaneously wit opposite portions of the inner wall of the tube and with the end thereof, said device comprising a resilient strip one end of which is deflected to form a finger member, the strip including a portion bent laterally and" apertured for receiving the shank of a needle, said strip also being provided with a second 5 aperture through which the needle passes.

3. A device of the class described, comprising a resilient strip having one end bent laterally and then deflected outwardly, the

lateral portion being apertured, and said strip including an apertured deflected portion near the opposite end, this end being further deflected beyond the apertured portion and constituting a finger member and tube clip.